Eyes of Time: The Final Line ✓

Chapter 21: Doomsday

[Sphere laboratory]

The Daleks advance, their metallic forms gliding over the ground, surrounding the four of them.

"Daleks!" The Alchemist's voice rings out, firm and commanding; the Daleks halt, and she narrows her eyes, "Think about it, boys. How can I know that name? I know what you are, just as my friends do. Humans who know about the Daleks, the Time War... Time Travel itself. If you want to know how then you need us alive."

"Keep us alive," Rose jumps in, nodding eagerly, "We know all about the Time War."

The Daleks swivel toward her.

"Yeah, Daleks," Mickey mutters, "Time War. Me too."

Rajesh nods rapidly, adding, "Yeah. And me."

Dalek Sec's eyestalk scans them before turning to Jast, "Report. What is the status of the Genesis Ark?"

The four Daleks shift, revealing a bronze, Dalek-shaped device behind them—roughly the same size, ominous and still.

The Alchemist's gaze locks onto it. A Genesis Ark. She doesn't know how they got their hands on one, but she'll make damn sure they never use it.

"Status: hibernation," Jast reports.

"Commence awakening," Sec orders.

Dalek Thay moves forward, its suction arm clamping onto the Ark's side.

"The Genesis Ark must be protected above all else," it intones, beginning the activation process.

Mickey leans closer to Rose, voice hushed but tense, "The Daleks. You said they were all dead."

Rose shakes her head, eyes locked on the Ark, "Never mind that. What the hell's a Genesis Ark?"

"Shut up. Both of you," the Time Lady snaps, and the group falls silent.

[Yvonne's office]

Jackie steps forward, her voice tight with panic, "What's down there?" she demands, "She was in that room with the sphere. What's happened to Rose?"

"I don't know," the Doctor admits, though his tense expression says otherwise, "But Ally's with her, so she's safe for now."

Safe. He hopes that's true. In reality, he has a very good idea of what's waiting below—but telling Jackie that won't help. The thought of his Bondmate trapped down there, surrounded by Daleks and Cybermen, is almost too much to bear.

He turns to Jackie, his tone softer but resolute, "I brought you here," he says, stepping closer to the tear-streaked woman, "I'll get you both out. You and your daughter," his gaze locks onto hers, unwavering, "Jackie, look at me. Look at me. I promise you. I give you my word."

Before she can respond, the heavy clanking of metal boots echoes through the room. The Cyber Leader stomps forward, positioning itself before Yvonne at her desk.

"You will talk to your central world authority and order global surrender," it commands, its hollow voice devoid of emotion.

Yvonne lets out a sharp scoff, "Oh, do some research! We haven't got a central world authority."

"You have now," the Cyber Leader declares.

The Doctor slips on his 3D specs, studying the creature intently as it continues, "I will speak on all global wavelengths... This broadcast is for humankind..."

Together, the Doctor, Yvonne, Jackie, and the Cyber Leader turn toward the view beyond. Below them, London is unraveling into chaos—flames rising, people running, the city descending into terror.